The City of Cape Town’s enforcement departments arrested 407 people over the past week, including a driver found fast asleep in a vehicle at an N2 on-ramp.

Metro police officers investigating a vehicle blocking a lane at an on-ramp discovered the driver fast asleep. After rousing him officers noticed his slurred speech and the smell of alcohol and arrested him for driving under the influence.

The driver was found at 13:40 on Saturday 29 August at the on ramp to Jakes Gerwel Drive from the N2. He was blocking the right-turn lane, the City said.

“It is shocking to think the driver was so inebriated he couldn’t keep his vehicle going or stay awake behind the wheel,” said Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith. “Driving drunk puts lives at risk and shatters families. He was arrested before that happened and hopefully the courts will ensure there are appropriate consequences for his actions. I remind residents that we have a zero-tolerance approach to driving under the influence and if caught, you will be detained. The safety of our residents will not be compromised within our metro.”

Hijacked vehicle recovered within 30 minutes

Later that same day Metro Police officers recovered a vehicle hijacked in Khayelitsha in less than 30 minutes after the owner was held at gunpoint.

The officers made 120 arrests in total, including 32 for drunk driving, and issued 4 482 fines. They also recovered various quantities of drugs, the City said.

Weekend emergency calls and bylaw complaints

The City’s Public Emergency Communications Centre (PECC) recorded 2 914 calls for assistance over the weekend. Of these 610 were reports of bylaw infringements, including 401 noise nuisance complaints.

“This has become par for the course on month-end weekends,” Smith pointed out. “Revelry impacts neighbours and spills over onto our roads and into violence as physical assault calls rose by more than 50%, while reports of domestic violence and accidents increased. Our residents work hard and deserve to let their hair down, but it must be done responsibly. Having a good time should not end in regret. I call on residents to continue reporting bylaw contraventions.”

Emergency call takers also logged 197 cases of physical assault, 71 domestic violence incidents and 151 vehicle and pedestrian road accidents, the City said.

Enforcement figures for the week

Traffic officers recorded 50 arrests: 43 for driving under the influence of alcohol, six for reckless and, or negligent driving and one for other offences. Officers also issued 50 696 fines, executed 817 warrants of arrest and impounded 134 public transport vehicles, the City said.

Law Enforcement officers made 237 arrests and issued 13 469 notices.

How to report an emergency

The public is reminded to report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities by calling the City PECC on 021 480 7700. By-law and traffic-related complaints can be logged using the safety and security add-on to the City App.

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